Some basic maintenance q's

[jcp123]

So, it's probably time to get some long-awaited work done on the car, thought I might seek some input here.

1. I have a nice little oil leak somewhere. It looks to be coming out of the oil pressure sender, and the stain on the ground is oil-coloured (as opposed to trans fluid red), but the power steering (whose pump is mounted right in front of the oil pressure sender) is the only thing which seems to lose fluid with any regularity. Anybody have a sanity check here?

2. I'm going to have my leaky rear axle seal fixed. Since I have no records about if/when the wheel bearings were replaced/repacked, should I replace my wheel bearings? Or, should I chance it and just get them re-packed? And, since I don't have my service manual with me, what kind of wheel bearing setup is in a Ford 8" rear?

3. Also since I'm replacing that axle seal, what viscosity gear oil should I run? Should I go synthetic? What will improve my fuel economy (no, I don't have this car for fuel economy...but might as well make it cost less to run while I'm at it!)? It's a stone cold original 8" open with 3.00:1 gearing, and it's never, to the best of my knowledge, been apart.

 

[PoppyMod]

So, it's probably time to get some long-awaited work done on the car, thought I might seek some input here.

1. I have a nice little oil leak somewhere. It looks to be coming out of the oil pressure sender, and the stain on the ground is oil-coloured (as opposed to trans fluid red), but the power steering (whose pump is mounted right in front of the oil pressure sender) is the only thing which seems to lose fluid with any regularity. Anybody have a sanity check here?

Nothing to add here, it's one or the other. Reseal the OP sender first. PS fluid is usually red, as it's Type F.

I'm going to have my leaky rear axle seal fixed. Since I have no records about if/when the wheel bearings were replaced/repacked, should I replace my wheel bearings? Or, should I chance it and just get them re-packed? And, since I don't have my service manual with me, what kind of wheel bearing setup is in a Ford 8" rear?

Replacing the rear seals is an easy task. The rear bearings are lubed via the rear axel fluid and require a press to install. However, they should be inspected, by whomever, when replacing the seals. The bearings should rotate without any resistence and a smooth manner. When going bad, they usually emit a "groaning" sound. Definitly replace the rear lube with 90 wt gear lube. As for the front bearings, they can be inspected easliy. If you have no records, this is a good time to start a log and begin record keeping. Clean and repack the front bearings with grease specified for this purpose. Replace the grease seals in the drums(?) or rotors, as a manner of good practice.


3. Also since I'm replacing that axle seal, what viscosity gear oil should I run? Should I go synthetic? What will improve my fuel economy (no, I don't have this car for fuel economy...but might as well make it cost less to run while I'm at it!)? It's a stone cold original 8" open with 3.00:1 gearing, and it's never, to the best of my knowledge, been apart.

There is really no need to get fancy here with synthetic. The 8" open rears are quit happy with the standard stuff.

I advise everyone to start keeping records for both maintenance and for R&R of parts and systems. This way you know. Also, retain all of your invoices and receipts.
As an example of how this can work in your favor:
I replaced a starter motor in my Jimmy van years ago with one having a "lifetime" warranty. Well, several years later, it too, died. Because I had my original receipt, I got a new unit "no charge". So, it pays.

Happ Motoring!